Posted by curiouss george on Tuesday, 9. February 1999 at 18:36 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Soooo I'v herd.... posted by little jj on Tuesday, 9. February 1999 at 15:55 Bali Time:
Your analysis is very good.
I have been to Bali a couple of times and while I really enjoy it for reasons of my own, I am amazed at the frequent unrealistic portrayals I read about in this forum and I believe this "lack of objective reality" explains the viciousness with which contributors "defend" the reputation of Bali and the Balinese, even against very accurate observations. I don't know why people take a critique of Bali as a personal affront.
I have no trouble seeing how some (even many) people would find Bali very unappealing, and I also understand how many would enjoy it immensely, but I don't understand the idea of some that the place is such a heaven on earth that a person must be insane to not be enamored by it and that said person is deserving of a good verbal thrashing.
In general, I would say you really need to visit any place to know what it is all about but especially so in Bali. I know that I was quite surprised by what I found in Bali versus what I had read. (for better and worse).
Personally, I think one thing that is not often represented fully is the incredible population density of Bali. Something like 3 million people listed in my 1995 Lonely Planet book but who knows how much now. It is a factor that significantly impacts your experience.
Hopefully you'll have a chance to see Bali for yourself.